USDA APHIS requires a phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country's national plant protection organization for most raw cotton shipments. Depending on origin, additional treatments or inspections may be required to address pest risks such as pink bollworm or boll weevil. Importers should consult APHIS import regulations and the specific requirements for the country of origin well in advance of shipment. Classification and admissibility are complex; consult a licensed customs broker or APHIS for guidance specific to your shipment.

For trade classification purposes, raw ginned cotton not carded or combed falls within this heading regardless of staple length. Commercially, however, staple length is the primary value driver: short-staple cotton (under 1 inch) is used for coarser yarns and industrial applications, medium-staple for standard apparel yarns, and extra-long staple (ELS, typically 1-3/8 inches and above) for premium fine-count yarns. Micronaire measures fiber fineness and maturity and affects dyeability and yarn quality. These parameters are specified in USDA classing certificates that accompany commercial shipments.